Oil-spout cleaner



Julyy 15 1924.

R. C. PETER OIL SPOUT CLEANER Original Filed NOV- Witness SH01/hago Patented July 15, 1924.

UNITED STATES RALPH C. PETER, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA.

Q IL-SPOUT CLEANER.

Application led November 13` 1922, Serial No. 600,668. Renewed December 12, 1923.

To all whom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, RALPH C. PETER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Minneapolis, in the county of Hennepin and State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Oil-Spent Cleaners, and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention has for its object to provide an extremely simple and inexpensive, yet an efficient and reliable device for use in oil cans for the purpose of keeping their discharge pipes free from foreign matter, the arrangement being also such that the flexible bottom of the can is forced outwardly each time it is pressed inwardly to discharge oil through the spout.

With the foregoing in view, the invention resides in the novel subject matter hereinafter described and claimed, the description being supplemented by the accompanying drawing.

Figure l is a vertical section of a common form of oil can showing my invention in place therein.

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section as indicated .by line .2*2 of Fig. l.

In carrying out my invention, I make use of a single length of wire. Part of the length of this wire constitutes a straight rod l adapted to extend from the bottom 2 of an ordinary oil can through the spout 3 thereof, to a point at the free end of said spout. The remainder of the wire is wound or coiled around substantially two-thirds of the length of the rod l to provide coiled spring iwhich is spaced outwardly from said rod, being integrally joined at its lower end to the lower end of the rod, as indicated at 5. The spring Ll tapers toward its upper end for snug reception in the lower portion of the tapered spout 3 and the lower end of this spring and rod l are intended to rest upon the bottom 2, with the spring under compression. By this arrangement, each time the bottom 2 is pressed inwardly by the users thumb, to discharge a quantity of oil,

the rod l is moved in the restricted end of the spout 3, so as to readily start the flow of oil. Then, when pressure on the bottom 2 is released, the action of the spring et again forces said bottom outwardly, in readiness for another operation. Attention is directed to the fact that the free end of the rod l substantially fills the free end of the spout 3, thereby preventing said end from becoming clogged with foreign matter. Any particles of dust or dirt which may enter are effectively loosened by reciprocation of the rod, effected by movement of the can bottom 2.

My invention is extremely simple and inexpensive, yet is highly ecient and in every way desirable. Excellent results have been obtained from the details disclosed and they are therefore preferably followed. It is to be understood, however, that within the scope of the invention as claimed, numerous minor changes may be made. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the device may be made in different sizes for oil cans having different dimensions, or that the rod l and spring 4 may be sufficiently long for use in connection with the largest oil cans used, of the type shown. Then, the spring 1l may be compressed to the desired extent for adapting it to a smaller can and the free end of the rod l may be cut off at the desired point.

I claim The combination with an oil can having an upstanding upwardly tapered spout; of a wire rod extending from the bottom of the can through the spout to the free end of the latter, and a tapered coiled springsurrounding said rod in spaced relation thereto and having' its smaller end portion received snugly in and extending throughout a portion of the length of said spout, the other end of said spring being integrally joined to said rod and resting upon the bottom of the can under compression, said spring and rod being' bent from a single length of wire.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature.

RALPH C. PETER. 

